Telephone system



Nov. 17, 1925.

H. M. FRIENDLY TELEPHONE SYSTEM Filed Dec. 21, 1916 OPPD Tumn

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Patented Nov. 17, 1925.

PATENT OFFICE.

HERBERT M. FRIENDLY, F PORTLAND,' OREGON.

TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

application filed December 21, 1916. Serial No. 138,149.

To all wlwmit may concern:

Beit known that I, HERBERT M. FRIEND- LY, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Telephone Systems, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to what are generally known as full automatic telephone systems, SGIHl-iltltOll'lfltlC telephone systems and variations of suchsystems, including manual telephone systems.

An object of my invention-is to render more flexible and effective the involved equipments and to enable both central office and outside construction to be conserved to a greater degree than practicable using methods heretofore in practice or known so far as I am aware. Other objects of my invention and the invention itself will be'clear from the following description thereof.

In the accompanying drawings Figure l is a schen'iatic layout of the elements associated with a subscribers line in a type of, automatic exchange hereinafter referred to, embodying my invention. Figure 2 is an end view of a branchb-lock of ny invention.

figure 3 is a side view of said branch block. I

Figure 4 is a front vicwof said branch block.

Figure 5 is a second side .view of said branch block.

As an illustration of my invention I shall set forth herein a typical system embodying my invention. This invention is primarily a novel organization of well known equipments n a new combination and disposition. By my novel arrangement I gain structural and operative advantages as will hereinafter be discussed.

For the purpose of this illustration I have chosen the well known two-wire automatic system of the Strowger type as extensively used and now furnished by the Automatic Electric Company of Chicago, Illinois.

This system of the Automatic Electric Company in its general organization consists of a line-switch unit consisting of a number of individual line-switches; a system of selectors and a connector and connector bank system. The lines first enter and connect to terminals on the main distributing frame; from these terminals jumpers are run to the terminals of the said lineswitches. which said terminals are also provided with lightning or abnormal current protectors. From said line-switches wires are run to the terminals of the corresponding connector bank multiple so that incoming calls are received by the line-switch individual to the respective line calling and this call is then extended via the selector system and trunks to the desired connector bank multiple to which the called subscribers line is connected.

In order that the various subscribers on any party line that may be called may be signaled selectively, it llElS been a practice to use as many characters or frequencies of signaling current as there are subscribers on any line, or side of any line to be signaled upon. The bells, or other signal devices at the subscribers premises are arranged to be responsive only to certain prearranged character of currents. The 0011' nectors having access to the various connector banks are arranged to project the different characters of signaling current prearranged. Thus, 100 subscribers outgoing lines, or other unit number of lines. would 'be carried through a plurality of multipled connector banks, and these connector banks would, in turn, be accessible to as many classes of connectors with reference to signalin current characteristics or frequencies as t ere would be classes of signal devices on the connected subscribers premises. It has been a practice to designate each class of connectors above as a different hundred; that is, if alternating currents of the frequencies 16, 33, and 66 cycles are used for signalin and that 28 connector banks were availa le for outgoing switching to any said line, there would be, for instance, 7 connectors arranged for impressing each signaling frequency upon that line. Further, to reach these various groups of connectors selectively, the calling subscriber would call a different selector sub-unit. Foruinstance, for calls'to 4100-- 199 the calling party would obtain access to a connector impressing 16 cycles for calls to QM-4299 the calling party would obtain access to a connector impressing 33 cycles; for calls to 43004.-399 the calling party would obtain access to. a connector impressing 50 cycles and for calls to 4400- 4499 the calling party would obtain access to a connector impressing 66 cycles. The privates of each line, appearing as multipled at every one of the said 28 connector banks, will cause the line to test busy when any connector, regardless of its signaling frequency characteristic, is in connection with it.

I am aware that it has been a practice to bring groups of connector banks associated with the different frequency types of connectors to terminals in the switchboard and there to have provisions for disassociating any lines in any set or sub-unit of connector banks pertaining to any particular set of connectors having access thereto, and further to be able to extend any of these disassociated lines to an information operator, or other operator, who might receive any outgoing call made to the line through any of the connectors. That is, say that we have disassociated line 4127 from the line group 41271-22743274427 and in turn connected it to the information operator, any party calling for this number would obtain the connector bank corresponding through one of the connectors arranged for impressing 16 cycle signaling current, and the signal would appear at the information switchboard and would not be impressed out upon the line since there has been a disassociation of this connector bank branch from the line at the switchboard.

It is clear from the above that this number e127 cannot be used for a new subscriber as long as there is any possibility of confusion to the public by it not being aware that the old subscriber corresponding has been discontinued, and it is further clear that there will, therefore, be this number vacancy on the line. If the line be a fourparty line as in the case described, the line will now have but three parties connected thereto.

It is also clear from the above that the 4100-4199, 4200-4299, $300-$399, 4-100- 4499 are expressly set apart as a connector bank unit, and that the corresponding numbers in each hundred must be associated if in service, since but one terminal common toall corresponding numbers in each hundred appears on the connecting rack where outside lines may be joined through jumpers.

By my novel organization of equipments I arrange the companion connectors of each hundred unit of connector banks with a prearranged frequency for signaling. These units are chosen at random throu hout the central ofiice and would ordinari y be divided about equally to the various frequencies used in any ofiice where party-line service is given.

I then provide an intermediate distributing block or branch block from which a jumper is run from. the line-switch of the ed for impressing 33 cycles; one extending to a hundred having connectors provided for impressing 50 cycles and one extending to a hundred having connectors provided for inipressing 66 cycles. Thusthe connector bank numbers, or otherwise subscribers numbers, connected to a particular line may be widely different, and not bear any certain prearranged numerical relation further than such numbers be chosen in connectorbanks whose connectors will have the desired signaling frequencies. In case any subscriber should.

be disconnected from the line the corresponding jumper would be disassociated from the branch block of that line and would be con-- nected to the information operator, who would receive any signals destined to that SL'lbSCIlbGl. A new umper may then be run from this branch block to any connector bank number that is in a unit having the same frequency as the one disconnected. or that may be vacant on the respective line and the new subscriber with corresponding responsive signal equipment placed upon the line with a telephone number corresponding to the new connector bank number. .It will be thusunderstood that if two or three subscribers are to be connected on a line and selectively signaled where thecen tral office equipment is provided with four frequencies as described, .just the desired frequencies may be chosen. Thus a two party line may have signals at the subscribers premises responsive to 16 cycles and 50 cycles respectively. A second two-party line connecting into the same central oflice may have signals at the subscribers premises responsive to 33 and 50 cycles respectively, or it; and 50 cycles respectively, etc. 1 If a line is an individual one, that is, has but one subscriber connected to same, tlfc signal at such subscribers premises may be susceptible to any desired signal current consistent with that of the connectors having: access to the connector banks in which this particular subscribers numberis found.

Thus it will be observed if a party line subscriber, for instance, desires to be reclassed as an individual line subscriber it simply a matter of connecting his telephone equipment on a separate line and associating his former connector bank number with the new line. This is particularly advantageous from the fact that it permits the operating Ill) company to obtain party line subscribers at lower rates than would have to be charged for individual service and then leaves the way open to change the class of service at an opportune time without service confusion or undue clerical work. It also permits ready regrouping of subscribers for construction reasons or personal preferences of subscribers without the necessity of number changing. 4

As a further instance may be mentioned changing from four-party to two party classification, or vice versa. This involves only a reclassification on the outside line, with due regard to connecting but one of any character of signal device, or a number denoting but one of any character, on any line, and then effecting a correspondinggrouping of the connector bank numbers in the central oflice equipment.

Each line group is assigned a line switch for use to incoming calls; lines being usually arranged for two-way service, but the latter is not essential to gain the advantages of my new arrangement. Line switches not being permanently associated with the connector banks allows the utmost flexibility and obviates the necessity of holding idle line switch equipment if a conncctor'bank number must be heldidle; due perhaps to a discontinuation of service and in order to avoid confusion by reassignment of conncctor bank number before the issue of a new directory eliminating former listing.

In addition to the above advantage duc to my improved arrangement, it. is thereby possible to intermix individual and party line subscribers numbers of the various classes in the connector banks or outgoing .units so advantage of the outgoing traflic divergency between the various classes in the connector banks or outgoing units may be taken in each separate unit. That is, in-- dividual and party line subscribers of various classes with their different load characteristics may be intermixed in the separate connector bank units as well as in the separate line switch units. Thus, the ar'angemcut conduces to the obtainmcnt of the same loadfactor and characteristic load in each connector bank unit. as obtains in the collective units within close a3.)roximation.

tofore found, due to the intermixin within more closely defined limits of the classes of service. My new arrangement thus permits fewer selector switches to be used consistent with the gross traffic than heretofore possible since the tendency will be to spread the maximum traffic in all classes over all selectors and connectors of all the different numerical orders and groups in place of only to certain decades and connector groups containing solid subscriber classes having cen tain and peculiar load. characteristics. As for instance, business subscribers of certain classes may use the telephone during the mid morning hours, while certain classes of users of residence telephones may use the service after working hours, etc.

Outside construction will be conserved due to the fact that it will be possible to conveniently group subscribers on the outside into classes on the same line regardless of the telephone numbers assigned to them, and then conform to such outside grouping as described, on the inside, bearing in mind only that two numbers indicating the same ringing frequency will not be placed upon the same circuit. 7

- There is also the new advantage of being able to change the class or rating of a subscriber by separating such telephone from others and associating with still others or individually, and all without changing the subscribers numbers. Changing of telephone numbers is inconvenient to the sub scribers and to the operating company. It forces the operating company to keep the released number under observation until such time as it may be reassigned without probability of confusion. It incidentally forces into idleness equipment for which no revenue can be obtained. A displacing subscriber on the outside line would obtain outgoing service through the regular-line switch of that line. A. jumper run to the newly assigned connector bank number also being the new subscribefis number. affords outgoing access to the line from other subscribers in the exchange.

One of the objects attained by my invention is the arrangen'icnt permitting widely different numerically irrelevant numbers to be assigned to the suliiscribers on a party line, and further, to change at, once such combination without service confusion.

'The following describes in detail the organization of my invention as applied only to the system before referred to:

In Fig. 1, 1 and 2 are line wires entering the office, ending upon distributing frame terminals 3 and 4:. From the latter terminals jumpers are run to the distributing frame terminals 7 and 8, between which are connected protectors 9 and 10. From terminals 7 and 8 cable wires 11 and 12 extend to other distrlbuting frame terminals 14 and From terminals 13, 14 and 15 wires extend to a line switch or to a first selector over wires 16, 17 and 18. The foregoing in of said lines no two of which are in the same unit of connector banks. The said connector bank terminals are located on blocks of usual types and these blocks are on the distributing frame. accessible by jumper wire from branch block 22, 23 and 24.

Where 100 lilies is the unit connector bank group the above referred to sets of terminals would comprise one line only of such unit. The schematic drawing, therefore,"

represents one line of each 11 connector bank units or groups.

The heavy short lines on the lighter lines leading toward the right from the said terminals 37 to 69 inclusive represent connector bank contacts. It is to be assumed that connectors have access to these connector bank contacts.

It will also be assumed that 37, 38 and 39 are the terminals of 1137 that 40, 41 and 42 are the terminals of 1763; that 43, 44 and 45 are. the terminals of line 1929; that 46, 47 and. 48 are the terminals of 2172; that 49, 50 and 51 are the terminals of 2320; that 52, 53 and 54 are the terminals of 2511 that-55, 56 and 57 are the terminals of line 2722; that 3, 59 and 60 are the tern'iinals of 3921; that 61, 62 and 63 are the terminals of line 4858; that 64, 65 and 66 are the terminals of 5773; that 67, 68 and 69 are the terminals of 6583. Further that the connectors having access to the connector hanks in which are the above numbers are designed to impress signalling frequencies as follows 1100-1199, 16 cycles; 1700-1799, 1900-1099, 33 cycles; 2100-2199, 2300-2399, 66 cycles; 2500-2599, '50 cycles; 2300-2399, 66 cycles; 3900-3999, 66 cycles; 4300-4899, 16 cycles; 5700-5799, 50 cycles.

1. am thus enabled to assemble a party line group 11.37, 1763, 3921 and 5773. The four said numbers appear in four respective connectorlbank groups wherein the groups of connectors accessible to the said bank groups impress a specific signaling current frequency. For example, the groups of 0011- nectors accessible to the four bank groups corresponding to the said party line group 1137, 1763, 3921 and 5773 project 16 cycle, 33 cycle, 66 cycle and 50 cycle, respectively. 011 the outside linewires, 1 and 2, are connected the subscribers signal devices, the characteristics of each said signal device corresponding to the signaling frequency of the connectors having access to the correspond- 33 cycles; 50 cycles ing bank branch leading from branch block 22, 23 and 24.

It will be noted the private terminals 37 40, 58, 64, 22 and 13 are tied together and connect to a lineswitch private over wire 16. Line switches, selector switches and connector switches have been omitted from the drawings since their functions and relation are well known.

It is obvious that by disconnecting umper wires 34, 35 and 36, for instance, terminals 64, 65 and 66 may be jumpered to terminals leading to any special operator who would answer any calls to the corresponding telephone number. Also it is obvious that the said jumper may be transferred to connect from terminals 22, 23 and 24 to 49, 50 and 51 and a displacing subscriber on the outside line given a signal device responsive to the same character of currents as the signal device of the displaced subscriber but with a new telephone number, 2320. Likewise, all jumpers may be removed from branch block 22, 23 and and each said jumper run to separate line switch terminals, as 13, 14 and 15. Thus connected, the service to each said subscriber would be individual. However, signal devices at the subscribers stations will have to correspond to the signaling frequencies of the connectors in access to the respective connector banks in which are found the subscribers numbers.

From the foregoing it is apparent that any desired system of number assigning may be used, intermixing classes in the line switch units and in the connector banks and that the subscribers number need not be indicative of its class to those not spccilically posted.

ltis not necessary that all the said connector bank groups be a part of the sameoflice or major group. As for instance, it the system is what is known as a. 100, 0 system in which subscribers numbers a re made up of five digits, the first digit denotingthe 10,000 group. lVith my new arrangement, the parties on a' party line ma v have numbers in different 10,000 groups by carrying out the plan of jumpering outlined, however, bearing in mind the frequency characteristics of the different counector groups. This would occur if any one off ce had two or more 10,000groups, or were'contiguous otfices, 1

The terminal block of my invention for use herewith shown in Figs. 2,3, 4 and 5 appears like a well known form with the exception that the three sets of attaching lugs are metallically tied together in groups of fours, by ties 22, 23 and 24*." For instance, terminal 24 has four lugs, 24, 24", 24 and 24 for branching to connector bank terminals. 22, 23 and 24 have lugs 22, 23 and 24* for receiving jumpers from line switch terminals 13, 14 and 15 respectively. Members B", C, D and E are insulating, dividing and clamping, strips the use of which is well known.'

Jumpers may be run from the branch block lugs indiscriminately, but I prefer to designate the lugs as regards frequencies. Therefore, jumpers from lugs 22, 23 and 24 extend to 16 cycle connector banks; jumpers from lugs 23" and 24" extend to 33 cycle connector banks; jumpers from lugs 22", 2?," and 24: extend to cycle connector banks; jumpers from lugs 22, 23 and 24 extend to 66 cycle connector banks.

Only two sets of terminals as above are shown. The blocks carrying these lugs may 'arry any number of sets of lugs.

So it is possible by virtue of my block arrangement forming a part of my invention, for those employed about the central office equipments to readily note how many subscribers connector bank multiples, indicating the number of lines connected, run to each branch block and correspondingline switch and outside line. F urther,-to know what frequencies of signal current is applied if all are not connected. Further, it permits ready placing of jumpers.

It is possible to combine terminals 13, l t and 15 with 22, 23 and 24. That is, bring wires 11 and 12 to terminals 23 and 2-1 respectively and wires 16, 17 and 18 directly to terminals 22, 23 and 24 respectively, omitting terminals 13, 14 and 15.

Signaling currents of four frequencies have been hereinbefore mentioned. It is obviously feasible to employ ground seeking currents of one or more frequencies and connect subscribers signals tocorrespond. It is also obviously feasible to connect a greater number of subscribers and consistent connector bank multiple numbers to any line using additional signaling current types or introducing signaling current intermittently to form signaling codes. Further, it is possible to omit the line switch without affecting outgoing traffic.

The foregoing descriptions and the mention of the possible modifications are by way of illustration only and are not intended to be exhaustive. My invention is, therefore, capable of wide modification and detailed changin It may be employed in part only or as an amplification without departing from its scope.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1.-In a telephone system, a plurality of subscribers signal devices selectively responsive; a line extending to a central exchange and there branching to connector bank numbers having no numerical relationship, said connector bank numbers being accessible to connectors designed to impress currents of characters adapted to selectively actuate said signal devices.

2. In a telephone system, a plurality of subscribers signal devices selectively responsive on a line extending to a central exchange; connector banks accessible to connectors designed to impress currents of characters adapted to selectively actuate said signal devices; a cross connecting rack upon which the terminals of the said'connector banks terminate; means for connecting together in multiple relation the numbers of the said connector banks conforming with the calling numbers assigned to said signal devices.

3. In a telephone system, a plurality of connector bank units, each unit accessible by connectors adapted to project different characters of signaling currents; a cross connecting rack upon which independently terminate the said connector bank units; line terminals on said rack accessible by jumpers to a plurality of component elements of. said connectorbank units. I

-t. In a telephone system, a plurality of connector bank units, each unit accessible by connectors adapted to project different characters of signaling currents with respect to the other units; a cross connecting rack upon which independently terminate the said connector bank units; line-terminals on said rack accessible by jumpers to the component elements of said connector bank units.

5. In a telephone system, a connector bank unit having accessible thereto connectors adapted to project a predetermined character of signaling current; a cross connectin'grack upon, which said unit terminates accessible by jumper to line terminals; jumper connections from said units elements to lines having a single signal device responsive to said signal current and jumper wires from other said units elements to lines having a plurality of signaling devices each responsive to predetermined current characters, one or more of which signal devices are responsive to the character of signaling current projected by the said accessible connector. j

6, In a telephone system, a plurality of connector bank units, each unit having accessible thereto connectors adapted to project different characters of signaling cur rent; a cross connecting rack upon which independently terminate the said connector bank units; line terminals on said rack accessible by jumper in multiple relation to a plurality of component elements .of said connector bank units and also accessible by temporary jumper in independent relation to other component elements of said connector bank units.

7 In a telephone system, a line extending from a plurality of differently responsive signal devices to component elements of connector bank units having no inherent relationship, said banks accessible by connectors which impress characters of signaling currentwhich will selectively actuate the said signaldevices.

8.111 "telephone system, a plurality of subscribers signal devices selectively responsive; a line extending to a central exchange and there branching to connector bank. numbers through jumpers, said numbers having no permanent structural relationship; connectors designed to impress currents of characters adapted to selectively actuate said signal devices.

9. In a telephone system, a plurality of connector bank units, each unit accessible by connectors adapted to project a different predetermined character of signaling current; line switches, a cross connecting rack upon which independently terminate the said connector bank units and the said line switches; line-terminals; means for jumpering said connector, line switch, and line terminals, and a line extending from said line terminals upon which are connected signal devices selectively responsive to said signaling current.

10. In a telephone system, a plurality of connector bank units each-having accessible thereto connectors adapted to project a preconnector bank units, each unit accessible by connectors adapted to project different characters of signaling currents; a cross connecting rack upon which independently terminate the said 'connector bank units; line terminals on said rack accessible by jumpers to the component elements ofsaid connector bank units; a line extending from said line terminals on to which'are connected subscribers signal devices selectively re-' sponsive to said signaling current characters.

12. In an automatic telephone system having subscriber lines of a plurality of classes as individual and party lines, a plurality of connector bank units corresponding to each of a plurality of characters of signaling current, selectively responsive signal devices for interchangeable connection to the subscriber lines, signaling currents having characteristics corresponding to the signal devices, a cross connecting frame, terminals on said frame for the lines and for each of the connector bank, units; the method of intermixing subscribers lines of the various classes in each of the connector bank units so as to equalize the load characteristics thereof, consisting of interconnecting connector bank terminals at the frame corresponding to the said units, with line terminals of the frame, with approximately the same proportion of each class of subscribers lines connected into each said unit.

13. In a telephone system, a .te'lephonc line; line terminals therefor, a plurality of bells on said-line; a plurality of connector banks at the exchange, each accessible to connectors which are adapted to apply selective ringing current to said line to operate any particular one of said bells; a plurality of second sets of line terminals each one of which is associated with thesaid connector hanks; means to interconnect said first set and said second sets of terminals; a second like line and means to disassociate any of said second sets of terminals from said first set and to associate said second set to the first set of the second telephone line.

H. In an automatic telephone system, a party line incoming to an exchange, a calling branch for said line terminating in an automatic switch, a plurality of called branches for said. line accessible, respectively, to a plurality of connector groups. means in the connectors of the several groups for performing different characteristic signaling operations corresponding to the different substations on said party line, a

permanent' connection between the said linc and the said callingbranch, and a distributing frame upon which the said line and the said called branches are temporarily connected by means of jumpers.

15. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of party lines each terminating in an automatic switch, said switches being operable to extend outgoing calls from said lines, means for distributing incoming alls among the subscribers on said lines connector switches, a plurality of called branches accessible to each connector group and terminating on said intern'iediate frame. a series of junctions on said intermediate frame, and jumpers connecting each junction with one of said lines and with a pinrality of said calledbraiu'hes.

17. In an automatic telpehone system, an intermediate distributing frame, incoming party lines terminating on said frame,

permanently connected calling branches for said lines extending from said frame to auton'iatic switches, means for selectively signaling said lines comprising groups of connector switches, the connectors of the several groups being adapted to perform different characteristic signaling operations, a plurality of called banches accessible to each connector group and terminating on said intermediate frame, a series of junctions on said frame, and jumpers connecting each junction with one of said party lines and with a called branch coming from each of said connector groups.

18. In an automatic telephone system. a subscribers line incoming to the exchange, a calling branch for said line terminating in an automatic switch, a plurality of branches individual to said line over any one of which said line may be called, and a distributing frame on which the said line and its several branches are interconnected by intercin-ingeable jumpers.

19. In an automatic telephone system. a party line incoming to an exchange, a calling branch for said line terminating in an automatic switch, a plu ality of called branches for said line accessible, respectively, to a plurality of connector groups. means in the connectors of the several groups for performing different characteristicsignaling operations corresponding to the ditl'erent substations on said party line. and a distributing frame on which the said line and its branches are interconnected by interchangeable umpers.

20. In an automatic telephone system, a subscribers line incoming to the exchange, a calling branch for said line terminating in an automatic switch, a plurality of called line branches for said line, a permanentconnection between the said line and the said calling branch, and a distributing frame upon which the said line and the said called branches are temporarily means of jumpers.

21. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a cross connecting frame, cross connecting jumpers, eonnector bank branches, a plurality of selectively responsive substation signal devices on the subscriber lines, th subscriber lines and connector branches respectively terminating on sets of terminals of the connecting frame,

connectors specific to the respective connector branches for projecting signaling current over corresponding branches having characters of signaling current specific to the branches and also the said signal devices on the subscriber lines, means for interchangconnected by ing the said signal devices among the subscriber lines, and means for interchangeably connecting the said branches among the subscriber lines through said jumpers attached to respective said terminal sets in correspondence with the interchanged signal devices so that depending upon what branch is en'iploycd in completing a connection from a said connector to a subscriber line will determine what said signal device on the 0011- nected subscriber line will be effectively operated.

22. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a cross connecting frame, cross connecting jumpers, connector bank branches. selectively responsiv substation signal devices on the subscriber lines, the subscriber lines and connector branches respectively terminating on sets of terminals .of the connecting frame, connectors specific to the respective connector bank branches and to the signal devices, and means for interchangeably connecting the said branches among the subscriber lines through said jumpers attached to respective. said terminal sets to conform to the con nected said signal devices so that depending upon What branch is employed in con'lpleting a connection from a said connector to a subscriber line will determine what said signal device will be effectively operated.

28. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a cross connecting frame, connector bank branches. jumpers, switch mechanism for extending connections to any said connector bank branch, signaling current of different characters, but one said character for application over the respective branches, selectively responsive substation signal devices, the said branches and subscriber lines terminating in sets of respective terminals on the connecting frame, means for interchangeably connecting a plurality of said signal devices along the subscriber lines. means for interchangeably connecting as many corresponding connector bank branches to the subscriber lines as there are connected signal devices along the subscriber lines, the branches being interchangeably connected over said jumpers attached multiply to the subscriber line set of terminals and individually to respective sets of connector bank branch terminals, and means whereby eti'ecting a connection from the switch mechanism over a said jumper to a subscriber line will cause only a specific said signal device on the subscriber lin to be effectively operated in selective correspondence with the jumper forming a link of the connection.

24. In an automatic telephone system, a

plurality of subscriber lines of' a plurality ing in a set of terminals on the cross con-" necting frame, means for interchangeably umtmg the respective subscriber lines with any variable number of connector bank branches by correspondingly interconnecting the said terminals by one or more said jumpers, a specific corresponding signal device interchangeably connected on said subscriber lines for each connector bank branch connected by jumper to a concerned subscriber line, sources of signaling currentthe application of which is controlled by the connectors for operating the said signal devices selectively with relation to other signal devices connected on the same line, the signaling current applied being dependent upon what connector bank branch is seized by a connector in linking the connection, and means including the said frame and-jumpers whereby the connector bank branches of the subscriber lines of the various said classes may be distributed among the ditferent said units so each said unit will contain approximately the same proportion of connected connector bank branches belonging to each class of subscriber lines, whereby at all times of traffic an approximately equal though possibly variable number of connectors will be engaged in each unit capacity.

25. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines of a plurality of classes respectively, the said classes being characterized by certain traffic characteristics respectively, a cross connecting frame, cross connecting jumpers, a plurality of groups of connector bank branches, the. said groups terminating in a plurality of connector bank units respectively, a group of connectors for each said unit,t.he subscriber lines and connector bank branches respectively terminating in a set of terminals on the cross connecting frame, means for interchangeably uniting the respective subscriber lines with any variable number'of connector bank branches by correspondingly interconnecting the said terminals by one or more said jumpers, a specific corresponding signal device interchangeably connected on said subscriber .lines for each connector bank branch connected by jumper to a concerned subscriber line, sources of signaling current the application of which is controlled by the connectors for operating the said signal devices selectively with relation to other signal devices connected on the same line, the signaling current applied being dependent upon what connector group contains the connector linking the connection, and means including the said frame and jumpers whereby the connector bank branches of the subscriber lines of the various said classes may be distributed among different said. units so each said unit willcontain approximately the same proportion of connected connector "bank branches belonging to each class of subscriber lines, whereby at all times of traffic an approximately equal though possibly variable number of connectors will be engaged in each unit capacity.

26. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a plurality of attendants lines and signal devices thereon, a cross connecting frame, cross connecting jumpers, called branches, a plurality of selectively responsive substation signal devices on the respective subscriber lines, the subscriber lines, the attendants lines and called branches respectively terminating on sets of terminals of the connecting frame, switch mechanism for projecting signaling current over the called branches wherein the character of current projected will be specific to the branch connected with, the signal device of the attendants line being responsive to signaling current, means for interchangeably connecting said called branches with respect to the spective subscriber lines through the said jumpers attaching between corresponding said terminal sets so that depending upon what said branch is employed in completing a connection from the switch mechanism to the subscriber line will depend what said substation device on the connected subscriber line will be effectively operated, and means for disconnecting any said jumper from one of said plurality of subscriber line terminal sets and then alternatively connecting it to the said terminal set of a said attendants line whereby all calls to the branch connected by jumper with the attendants line will cause the signal deviceon the connected attendants line to effectively operate to indicate that a call has been directed to the subscriber line substation corresponding to the jumper disconnected from the subscriber line, and means for substituting a selectively responsive substation signal device and jumper branched to a called branch of corresponding character to restore the previously connected capacity of the subscriber line.

27. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a cross connecting frame, connector bank branches, calling line branches leading to correspond ing line switches, jumpers, selectively responsive substation signal devices on the subscriber lines, switch mechanism, the subscriber lines and the said calling line branches and connector branches respectively terminating on a set of terminals of the connecting frame, each of the terminals of the sets of terminals for the calling line branches being a gang terminal, a said jumper. for connecting the subscriber line Ill) terminals to the calling line branch terminals respectively,.other said jumpers branched from specific ones of each of the said gang sets to respective connector bank branches in numerical correspondence with the connected substation signal devices as designated, means including the switch mechanism for connecting to the respective said connector bank branches to effectively operate only one of said signal devices in correspondence with the branch connected with, whereby attaching the jumpers leading to the connector bank branches on respective sets of terminals of the respective said gangs the specific signal device effectively operative over each of the jumpers will be identified by the respective sets of terminals of the gang to which the respective jumpers connect.

switch units respectively, the subscriber lines, called branches andcalling branches respectively terminating on sets of terminals on the connecting frame, means on the said frame for interchangeably uniting a subscriber line with a called branch and a calling branch, means on the said frame for interchan 'eably uniting a subscriber line with a ca ling branch and a variable plurality of called branches, signal devices on the said lines in correspondence with the called branch or branches thereof selectively responsive to calls over corresponding said branches, and means includingt e said frame for distributing the branches by which approximately the same relative number of line switches of each line switch unit and approximately the same relative number of called branches belonging to each class of subscriber line will appear connected in the individual line switch units and the i111 dividual connector bank units as appear collecti vely in all the units respectively, where by to conduce towards re atively uniform traflic at all times from the line switch units and. to the connector bank units, respectively.

29. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines of a plurality of classes respectively, a cross connecting frame, cross connecting jumpers, a plurality of called branches terminating in a plurality of connector bank units respectively, the subscriber lines and the called branches respectively terminating in sets of terminals on the connecting frame, means for uniting a subscriber line ,with a single called branch, means for uniting subscriber lines with a variable plurality of called branches respectively, the said unitings being effected by attaching said jumpers from said called branches to the respective terminals of the said lines to be united, signal devices on the said lines in correspondence with the called branch or branches thereof selectively responsive to calls over corresponding said branches, and means including the said frame and jumpers for distributing the called branches by which approximately the same relative number of called branches belonging to each respective class of subscriber lines will appear connected in the individual connector bank units as appear collectively in all the connector bank units.

30. In an automatic telephone system,a plurality of subscriber lines of a plurality of classes respectively, a cross connecting frame, cross connecting jumpers, a plurality of called branches terminating in a plurality of connector bank units respectively, the subscriber lines and the called branches respectively terminating in sets of terminals on the connecting frame, means for uniting a subscriber line with a single called branch, means for uniting subscriber lines with a variable plurality of called branches respectively, the said unitings being effected by attaching said jumpers from said called branches to the respective terminals of the said lines to be unlted, and means including the said frame and jumpers for distributing the called branches by which approximately the same relative number of called branches belonging to each respective class of subscriber lines will appear con nected in the individual connector bank units as appear collectively in all the connector bank units.

31. In an automatic telephone system, a

plurality of subscriber lines of a plurality of" classes, selectively responsive signaling devices for interchangeable connection on the said lines, the said sigaling devices corresponding to substations, a cross connecting frame, a plurality of connector bank units, means on said frame for interchangeably extending one or more branches to each said lines from a specific bankposition or positions of one or more said connector bank units respectively, each connected said eluding the said frame for distributing the branches to the units whereby each said unit will terminate approximately the same proportion of connected said branches relating to eachsaid class of subscriber lines as are connected into all the units collectively, whereby to conduce towards snaking the traffic percenta e coincidently uniform in all the said indivi ual units.

In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines of a plurality of classes, selectively responsive substation signaling devices for interchangeable connection on the said lines, a cross connecting frame, a plurality of connector bank units, means on said frame for interchangeably extending one or more branches to each said lines from a specific bank position or positions of one or more said connector bank units respectively, each connected said branch and bank position specifically corresponding to a said substation, but one branch to a specific subscriber line connected from a specific said unit, the unit through which a connection is made to a subscriber line determining what signal device thereon will be selectively operated, and a means including the said frame for distributing the branches to the units whereby each said unit will terminate approximately the same proportion of connected said branches relating to each said class of subscriber lines as are connected into all the units collectively, whereby to conduce towards making traflic percentage. coincidently uniform in all the said individual units.

34. In an automatic telephone system,

party lines having a plurality of substa tion signal devices and individual lines having a single signal device respectively, the.

signal devices being interchangeable among the said lines to interchange the classes of the changed lines in accordance with the number of signal devices connected on the lines, the signal devices being selectively responsive with respect to any other signal device on itsconnected line if a party line, a cross connecting frame, a plurality. of groups of connector bank branches each group of said branches terminating in a connector bank unit, a unit of connectors for each connector bank unit specific thereto and adapted to specific signaling selection, the

subscriber lines and connector bank branches terminating on the cross connecting frame, jumpers on the cross connecting frame for joining the respective said lines with a single or a plurality of connector bank branches in accordance with the number of signal devices on the line and wherein more than one branch for a specific line will not correspond to connectors of like signaling selection, and means including the said frame and jumpers for distributing the branches among the connector bank units so each unit thereof will contain approximately the same percentage of branches of subscriber lines of the various said classes as are contained in the groups collectively.

35. In an automatic telephone system, party lines having a plurality of substation signal devices and individual lines having a single signal device respectively, the signal devices being interchangeable among the said lines to interchange the classes of the changed lines in accordance with the number of signal devices connected on the/lines, the signal devices being selectively responsive with respect to any other signal device on its connected line if a party line, a cross connecting frame, a plurality of groups of connector bank branches each group of said branches terminating in a connector bank unit, a unit of connectors for each con nector bank unit specific thereto and adapted to specific signaling selection, the subscriber lines and connector bank branches terminating on the cross connecting frame, each said signaling device being permanently companion to a specific connector bank branch, jumpers on the cross connecting frame for joining the respective said lines with a single or a plurality of connector bank branches in accordance with the number of signal devices on the line and where in more than one branch for specific lines will notcorrespond to connectors of a like signaling selection, and means including said frame and jumpers for distributing the branches among. the connector bank units so each unit thereof will contain approximate-- ly the same percentage of branches of subscriber lines of the various said classes as are contained in the groups collectively.

36. In an automatic telephone system, a plurality of subscriber lines, a cross connecting frame, jumpers, a plurality of connector branch groups and specific groups of connectors therefor respectively, a plurality'of selectively responsive substation signal devices on the subscriber lines, a said branch companion to each said signal device, the connectors of the respective groups containing the branches adapted to selectively operate the corresponding signal devices, and means including the jumpers for at will interchanging the signal devices and the corresponding jumpers among the lines without disabling the selective operation of the re spective signal devices from the connectors related to the companion connector branches.

3?. In an automatic telephon system having subscriber lines of a plurality of classes as individual and party 1ines,-a plurality of connector bank units, selectively responsive signal devices for interchangeable connection to the subscriber lines, signaling currents having characteristics corresponding to the signal devices, a cross connecting frame, terminals on said frame for the lines and for each of the connector bank units; the method of interlnixing subscribers lines of the various classes in each of the connector bank units so as to equalize the load characteristics thereof, consisting of interconnecting connector bank terminals at the frame corresponding to the said units, with line terminals of the frame, with approximately the same proportion of each class of subscribers lines connected into each said unit.

Signed by me at Indianapolis, Marion, and State of Indiana, of December, 1916.

HERBERT M. FRIENDLY.

county of this 18th day 

